Kid Rock Defends Himself Against Charges of Racism

As Kid Rock's possible run for the Senate gains steam, he's come under fire in his native Detroit for previous actions that have been perceived as being insensitive to the African-American community. He's responded to the criticism by defending himself and firing a few shots of his own at the accusers.

"People! Pay NO attention to the garbage the extreme left is trying to create! (and by the way, f--- the extreme left and the extreme right!)," he wrote on Facebook. "They are trying to use the old confederate flag BS, etc. to stir the pot, when we all know none of this would be going on if I were not thinking of running for office. Pretty funny how scared I have them all, and their only agenda is to try and label people / me racist who do not agree or cower to them!! No one had a word to say when we sold out the six shows at [Little Caesers Arena] back in January! My track record in Detroit and Michigan speaks for itself, and I would dare anyone talking trash to put theirs up against mine. I am also a homeowner and taxpayer in the city of Detroit, so suck on that too!"

A recent editorial in the Detroit Free Press called Rock's six-night stand, which will open the new venue, a "sturdy middle finger to Detroiters." They cite as examples his "crass cultural appropriation of black music," use of the Confederate flag and "F--- Colin Kaepernick" statements, referring to the former NFL quarterback who made headlines last year for refusing to stand for the national anthem before games. The Press called Rock's stances "incompatible with the pro-Detroit platitudes he sometimes mouths" and " an ignorant and racist sentiment couched in awww-shucks patriotism, precisely the kind of thing that has characterized so much of his career."

Other civil rights groups, such as Al Sharpton's National Action Network, have said they plan to stage protests outside the Little Caesars Arena during his shows, the first of which is tomorrow night.

Despite the controversy, Rock made it clear that the alt-right was not welcome at his concerts. "Screw all you a--holes," he said onstage last week "Stay the f--- away!

Rock recently added that the lack of defense he's received from the local community is causing him to change where he chooses to give his financial support, but he's preferring to stay positive. "I am, however, very disappointed that none of the people, businesses or charities I have so diligently supported in Detroit have had anything to say about all these unfounded attacks from these handful of jackasses and The Detroit Free Press," he wrote. "So for the unforeseen future I will focus my philanthropy efforts on other organizations besides the ones I have supported in the past. I would however employ that NAN go ahead and make up these losses since they claim to be so good for Detroit and do not want me opening the arena and generating tons of jobs and tax dollars for the city and people I LOVE."

"There is so much to be thankful for and so many positive things going on in and around our city / state that we need not let these handful of jerks sway that in any way," he concluded. "I know I should probably not even have posted anything about these bottom feeders but I will always stand up for myself, my family, my friends, my fans, my city, my state, my country and the good in human nature!"

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